South American World Cup Qualifiers Kick Off with Key Matches: Venezuela-Brazil, Paraguay-Argentina, and More
As the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, South America’s national teams are set to close 2024 with crucial qualifying matches in the 11th round of CONMEBOL Qualifiers, beginning this Thursday. These games not only highlight the fierce competition but also mark the last chance this year for teams to secure points on their path to the World Cup.
Matchday 11 Fixtures & Broadcasting Details
Thursday, November 14:
- Venezuela vs. Brazil – 18:00 (GMT-3) on TyC Sports
- Paraguay vs. Argentina – 20:30 on TyC Sports and Telefe
- Ecuador vs. Bolivia – 21:00 on DirecTV
Friday, November 15:
- Uruguay vs. Colombia – 21:00 on TyC Sports
- Peru vs. Chile – 22:30 on DirecTV
Standings Overview: Race to Qualify
In the current qualification structure, the top six teams will automatically earn a place in the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-ranked team has a second chance through the intercontinental playoffs. Ecuador, however, faces an additional challenge with a three-point penalty due to a player eligibility issue in the previous qualifiers, impacting their standing in the table.
Highlights of Today’s Matches
- Venezuela vs. Brazil
Brazil, one of the dominant teams in the region, will face Venezuela, which is fighting to climb the standings and secure a qualifying spot. This match-up pits two teams with vastly different track records in the qualifiers, promising a thrilling clash. - Paraguay vs. Argentina
Reigning World Champions Argentina, led by top talents and strong momentum, will meet Paraguay in a high-stakes evening showdown. Paraguay hopes to capitalize on the home advantage to gain crucial points. - Ecuador vs. Bolivia
Ecuador will face Bolivia in the late-night match, aiming to overcome their point deduction and remain in the race for qualification. Bolivia, meanwhile, seeks to turn around their fortunes and challenge their competitors.
Next Round Matches Set for Tuesday, November 19
Following this week’s action, the next set of qualifiers will continue on Tuesday, with five more critical matches:
- Bolivia vs. Paraguay – 17:00
- Colombia vs. Ecuador – 20:00
- Argentina vs. Peru – 21:00
- Chile vs. Venezuela – 21:00
- Brazil vs. Uruguay – 21:45
These games not only offer fans thrilling football but also significantly impact the standings, especially with only a limited number of teams set to qualify directly.